Published by the government of Zimbabwe
28 November 2009
Harare — WIDESPREAD rains are expected to cover the country next week, the Meteorological Services Department has said.
The department yesterday warned of the impending heavy rains following a lull in rainfall activity that is set to end this weekend, saying the trends and patterns of their system were indicating that rainfall activity should commence from Sunday night into Monday.
The recent dry spell -- lasting for a week in some parts of the country -- was, however, a blessing in disguise to farmers who were still planting. "Rainfall activity should commence from Sunday night and will last until Thursday when a decrease of activity is expected across the country.
"Widespread rains are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday with amounts expected to increase on Wednesday," said the department.
The weather experts added that the activity should start along the south of the main watershed that covers areas in the south of Midlands, south of Manicaland, Masvingo, Matabeleland South and Bulawayo, spreading to other parts of the country.
In the last seven days, the department said, notable amounts of rainfall were recorded in areas along and north of the main watershed.
On November 24, Mt Hampden recorded 75mm in 24 hours, Banket 64mm, Ashdown Park 63mm, Karoi 52mm and Wedza 51mm.
On November 20, Beitbridge recorded 53mm, Kezi 45mm, Plumtree 32mm and Zaka 29mm. Most parts of the country received rainfall ranging from 20mm to 30mm in 24 hours.
In the region's seasonal forecast, weather experts predicted that the north-eastern part of Zimbabwe was most likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall in both halves of the rainy season with the south-west receiving below normal in both halves.
The north-west is likely to be in deficit in the first three months from October to December but in surplus in the second three months, from January to March, while the south-east will be in surplus in the first three months and in deficit in the second half of the season.
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